District Council secures two Closure Orders around Yorke Drive to tackle ASB and alleged drug-related crime

Properties resided in by Malia Wilshire, of Yorke Drive, and Cliff Bunch Snr and Mandy Bunch on Strawberry Hall Lane, were issued with Closure Orders following complaints from residents and Police reports. The catalogue of reported incidents at both properties cited anti-social behaviour, and alleged crime including drug-related incidents.

While the extensive catalogue of incidents for each property was enough to cause distress to those living nearby, the close proximity of the properties meant the incidents were causing a significant, negative impact on the wider local community. This could not be allowed to continue, and legal action had to be taken, with officers from the District Council, supported by the Police, working together to secure the Closure Orders to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the residents affected on the wider estate.

A Closure Order is designed to provide immediate relief for the community from ASB being committed from a property, and it is an offence to enter or remain on premises in contravention of Closure Order without reasonable excuse, punishable by a fine or imprisonment or both. The properties resided in by Malia Wilshire, Cliff Bunch Snr and Mandy Bunch were issued a Part Closure Order, meaning they will remain at the property but only named visitors will be granted access.

The District Council, along with its partners, will continue working together and will be considering additional enforcement action if required.

Councillor Paul Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Community Relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “We want to do what’s best for our residents in and around Yorke Drive which is why we will not stand by when there is harm or distress to the local community there. I hope these Closure Orders reassure our residents that we will do all we can to ensure a safer Newark and Sherwood, and I also hope it sends a message to others that we will not stand for this unacceptable behaviour.

“We are committed to clamping down on ASB and criminal behaviour and we will continue our successful partnership working with the Police to ensure our reach is wide and our resources are strengthened.

“I also urge anyone who witnesses or experiences ASB to report it to Nottinghamshire Police or the District Council, so that we can take appropriate action."

Councillor Lee Brazier, Portfolio Holder for Housing at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Residents on Yorke Drive and across the district deserve to live in areas where they feel safe and secure, and no-one should be subjected to the distressing behaviour exhibited on the estate.

“We are working to ensure behaviour like this does not go unpunished but I urge residents to help us in this and act as our eyes and ears by always reporting any incidents so our teams can work to investigate and identify offenders and ensure they face the consequences of their actions.”

Inspector Charlotte Ellam, District Commander for Newark and Sherwood, said: “The neighbourhood policing team have been working tirelessly with colleagues from the District Council to tackle the issues of crime and anti-social behaviour in the vicinity of Yorke Drive.

“We have listened to the concerns of the community and committed additional resources to provide a presence and target those responsible. The use of civil powers such as Closure Orders is another way in which we can take action against individuals who commit crime, cause ASB and create fear amongst law abiding residents. This is a great example of how Notts Police and the District Council work effectively as a partnership in response to local priorities.”

Newark and Sherwood District Council is committed to tackling criminal and anti-social behaviour and other enforcement action has also recently taken place on the Yorke Drive estate, including Closure Warnings and Community Protection Warnings.

Four Closure Warnings were issued in August 2024, with two households continuing with the activities which resulted in Closure Orders of the two properties.

Seven Community Protection Warnings were handed to individuals causing nuisance, believed to be linked to the drug related issues involving the two properties handed a Closure Order.

Anyone who wishes to report ASB can speak to our ASB team, in confidence, about any issues or concerns you may have. To register an ASB complaint contact the District Council or use the online ASB reporting form.

If a crime is in progress or life is in danger, you should dial 999. To report non-urgent anti-social behaviour, contact the police on 101.